Wiltshire Council is launching a new community lottery to help local good causes raise vital funds and continue the work that strengthens communities across the county.

Wiltshire Council is partnering with Gatherwell, a licensed and regulated External Lottery Manager which already delivers community lotteries across more than 150 council areas nationwide. Local good causes can sign up to be part of the Wiltshire Community Lottery now in order to start their journey raising money.

The council has worked closely with the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector over the last three years to shape a new strategic partnership framework. Throughout this work, one message has been clear: the sector urgently needs more unrestricted, core funding. In the Wiltshire State of the Sector Survey in 2025 developed by Wessex Community Action, 58% of organisations said funding was a significant or moderate challenge, and 57% highlighted rising operating costs as a major pressure.

The new Wiltshire Community Lottery will give local clubs, groups, charities and organisations that benefit Wiltshire residents a simple, effective way to raise unrestricted revenue through an online weekly draw.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities, said “There are many groups, clubs, charities and organisations in Wiltshire that support our communities and make Wiltshire such a great place to live and work. This lottery will help them thrive and grow by giving them a new way to raise the funds they need.

“Players can choose exactly which local cause they want their money to support. For every £1 ticket, 50p goes directly to the players chosen good causes, with 10p to the central fund, which the council will redirect into local good causes such as via Wiltshire Area Boards. This scheme currently provides funding support to approximately 450 good causes across the country each year and we’re anticipating plenty to benefit in Wilshire.”

Lottery tickets will go on sale later this spring, with the first weekly prize draw taking place early summer. Tickets will cost £1 each, and people can buy up to 20 tickets per week for a chance to win prizes of up to £25,000.

The Wiltshire Community Lottery fully complies with the Gambling Act 2005 – Gambling Act 2005.  Support is available for anyone who is affected by gambling harms with information on the Wiltshire Community Lottery website. There is also a range of support, schemes and training opportunities available related to gambling harm for anyone who needs it listed on the Wiltshire Council website at  Gambling harm – Wiltshire Council.

Local clubs, groups, charities and organisations interested in raising money through the lottery can find out more about the eligibility criteria and register by visiting the Wiltshire Community Lottery website at www.wiltshirecommunitylottery.co.uk